When I take the top down on the car all works fine in terms of the back part lifting and then when the front tries to go down I have to give it a nudge. What do you all think I should look at so that I don't have to do this?

 

After I unlatch, I've always pushed the front of the roof up (about 8") before I use the switch to lower the roof.

I believe this is the normal procedure.

 

I use to be able to just unlatch and the roof would go back. In the past year or so have to nudge it for the top to go back.

 

the "nudge" up is part of the design. That is the purpose of the cables in the top to hold the front slightly lifted till retracted.

 

It's covered in the owners manual (e.g. page 159 for 2001 models).

"Important! Push soft top frame approx. 8 inches (20cm) upward by unlocking the handle. Failing to do so will result in damage to the soft top folding mechanism that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty."

 

That is what I have always done but in order for the top to bend and start its backward motion I have to push it back over the 8 inches while the motor is pulling.

 

Have you had the system lubricated regularly, per the A/B Service plans? It could be as simple a fix as that.

 

NO bro.. its your cable are broke.. i got the same prob, i have to push it back to get it open. i took the car to the dealer and they showed me where its broke... Mine still broken and havent fixed it yet. i can take a pic with my cell and show u where if u want me too

 

i thought that too but when i took it there, they told me my cable are broke and indeed they are snapped

 

please take a picture so i can see. Do you think this is something I can fix?

 

sorry its blurry since its from my cell..i looked at it, and i think its better to take it to a trusted mechaninc that u know....Unless u can do it, go ahead.
here they are broken, one on the left and one of the right..
but i took only my left side since right its the same(broken)

 

thanks for the picture will check it out tomorrow.

Did you look into getting it fixed?

 

You are welcome.. every time i wanted to get it fix, i did something else to the car but i need to get it fixed
but i barely drop the top down like 4 times a year.im paranoid bout my car..i like it being nice and clean from inside. i hate pollen and dust on the inside
but yes im gonna get it done this summer hint(i keep on saying this every summer)
when i asked teh dealer for the cable, i dont recall if they said its $130 -160each or both

 

My cables are fine? Wonder what it could be. I see you are in the NOVA area maybe we can hook up and you can take a look and let me know what it could be? How long have you had your CLK?

 

Yes bro, no prob. i would be gald too. I live in sterling, very close to u.....
i dunno what it could be, u may take it at the benz dealership and ask one of the technician and he can look at it and give u an estimate and what is wrong.
either hit HBL in tysons, or ASC is closer to u ....

i have it for 4 years and thank god (knock on wood), i havent had any prob engine wise or mechanical prob...

i still waitng to get my rims back, i sent em off to CA to get em dipped in chrome .. im on my 16 now LMAOOOOOOOL

 

There are several threads on this forum that cover a DIY repair of the cables.

I believe one of them even had the part numbers.

The DIY cable repair info might not be a separate, but buried within one or more of the convertible top problem threads.

 

Same problem on mine and I realize that one of wires or cable it's cut which makes it pull the top up

 

My cables looked fine.

 

The way I was able to tell it's bcuz after I closed my top one day that cable was sticking out

 

do u know where it is located at?? i tried and could not find it

 

Car is at the shop for few other things and I had them take a look at this and it was the cables. They where stretched out. Had them replaced and all is fine.